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How to pick a door lock - and be sure it's secure

Installing the best door lock for your home provides a solid first line of protection.

Taking the time to research and install the best door lock for your
home provides a solid first line of protection for your family members and belongings.

So how do you know if you need better locks for that important task?
Professional locksmiths can evaluate your present lock's security, as can members of your local police
department. These professionals have seen firsthand what works and what doesn't, so consider taking
advantage of their experience and expertise when choosing the best door locks for your home.

Research the options

Some locks sold at hardware stores have been graded according to
standards developed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Builders Hardware
Manufacturers Association (BHMA). Product grades can range from Grade One through Grade Three, with one
being the highest in terms of function and material integrity. Visit the BHMA website to research a lock you intend to
purchase and see how it stacks up to its competitors.

Also, remember some locks include strike plates that include extra-long
three-inch screws for added protection against force. If your locks don't come with them, other bolstering
options for strike plates are available at your local hardware store.

Doorjamb reinforcement kits are also available, and can be retrofit
into the existing doorjamb to reinforce key strike points (hinges, strike, and the door edge). The
reinforcement plates are typically made of galvanized steel and installed with 3.5-inch screws. Adding
doorjamb reinforcement significantly increases the strength of the door system. Be sure to follow the
manufacturer's recommendations for the length of the screws going into your doorframe.

Smart home systems also feature keycode-style locks that are coming
into more common use lately.

Not so strong: spring latch locks

Spring latch locks, also known as slip bolt locks, provide minimal
security, but are the least expensive and easiest to install. They work by locking the doorknob of the
door, thus preventing the release of a spring-loaded latch that fits into the doorframe.

However, this type of lock is vulnerable in several ways. Devices other
than the properly fitting key can be used to release the pressure keeping the spring in place, allowing for
release of the bolt. More forceful intruders can smash the doorknob and lock from the door with a hammer or
wrench. A protective metal plate to reinforce the wood around the doorknob is recommended to prevent this.

Stronger: standard deadbolt locks

The deadbolt lock works by effectively bolting the door into its frame.
The bolt is "dead" in that it has to be manually moved in and out of place by means of a key or knob. There
are three basic parts of deadbolt lock: a key-accessible outside cylinder, the "throw" (or bolt) which
slides in and out of the door jamb, and the thumb-turn, which allows for manual control of the bolt from
the inside of the home. A standard horizontal throw extends one inch beyond the edge of the door and into
the jamb. All deadbolt locks should be made of solid steel, bronze, or brass; die-cast materials are not
fashioned for great impact and could break apart.

Strongest: vertical and double cylinder deadbolt locks

The main weakness of any horizontal deadbolt lock is that it is
possible for an intruder to pry the door apart from the jamb or its strike plate in the jamb to disengage
the throw. This can be remedied with a vertical (or surface-mounted) deadbolt, which resists the separation
of lock from jamb. The throw of a vertical deadbolt engages by interlocking with a set of cast metal rings
affixed to the frame of the door. The rings surrounding the bolt make this lock essentially pry-proof.

In the instance of a door containing glass panes, a double-cylinder
deadbolt might be employed. This particular type of deadbolt lock requires a key to unlock the bolt from
both the outside and inside of the home — so a potential thief cannot simply break through the glass, reach
inside, and manually unlatch the thumb-turn in order to unlock the door. However, some fire safety and
building codes forbid the installation of locks that require keys to open from the inside, so consult with
a contractor or locksmith in your area before installing one.

Consider alternatives to the potentially hazardous double cylinder
deadbolt. Try installing a supplemental lock that is completely out of arm's reach (either at the top or
flush to the bottom of a door); security glazing; or impact-resistant glass panels.

It's important to remember that no lock is 100% guaranteed to deter or
keep out all intruders. However, you can greatly reduce the likelihood of intruders by making sure that all
exterior doors are fitted with some form of deadbolt locks and strike plates, and that you are diligent in
using these locks while at home and away.

State Farm® (including State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates) is not responsible for, and does not endorse or approve, either implicitly or explicitly, the content of any third party sites hyperlinked from this page. State Farm has no discretion to alter, update, or control the content on the hyperlinked, third party site. Access to third party sites is at the user's own risk, is being provided for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation to buy or sell any of the products which may be referenced on such third party sites.

The information in this article was obtained from various sources not associated with State Farm®. While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. The information is not intended to replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. Nor is it intended to effect coverage under our policy. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information.